Homicide investigation launched into death of toddler Daniel Aruebose

The three-and-a-half-year-old died sometime in 2021 and his skeletal remains were discovered buried on open ground in Donabate in September

Daniel Aruebose. Picture: An Garda Síochána

Gardaí have launched a homicide investigation into the death of Daniel Aruebose, whose remains were discovered at open ground in Dublin in September.

Daniel, born in December 2017, died sometime in 2021. He was around three and a half years old at that time. His skeletal remains were discovered buried on open ground in Donabate, north Dublin on September 17. 

Tomorrow would have been Daniel's 8th birthday. 

In an update on Thursday evening, gardaí confirmed that DNA analysis on the remains had officially confirmed that they are those of Daniel, and that a homicide investigation had been commenced.

A garda spokesperson said the investigation team are continuing "to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding the death of Daniel Aruebose". 

"Following enquiries conducted to date and based on information available to investigating gardaí, An Garda Síochána has commenced a homicide investigation into Daniel’s death," the spokesperson said, adding that Daniel’s family have been informed of the latest developments in this "ongoing criminal investigation".

Floral tributes and a photograph of then three-year-old Daniel Aruebose at the scene on open ground in Donabate, where his suspected remains were discovered by gardaí in September. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins

Issuing an updated appeal to the public, gardaí urged anyone with information that may assist in the investigation into the homicide of Daniel Aruebose to come forward. 

"Members of the public are urged not to assume that Gardaí already possess information they may hold, or that any detail is too small or insignificant. The investigation team will determine the relevance of any information provided," the spokesperson said.

"All contact will be welcomed and treated in the strictest confidence."

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Swords Garda Station on 01 6664700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or at any Garda station.

Gardaí also said they are aware of the "extensive public commentary that has circulated in relation to this investigation" online, and they appealed to all members of the public "to verify any information they encounter—particularly speculation, rumours, or theories about what may have happened to Daniel". 

"Please independently verify any content you read on social media or messaging apps before sharing it," the spokesperson added.